Improvement in tooth-picks



J. HOLLAND.

Tooth-Pick. V

No.209,566. Patented Nov. 5,1878.

N.PETERS, PHOTO-LITHOGRAPHER, WASHINGTON n c UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN HOLLAND, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT IN TOOTH-PICKS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 2095136, dated November 5, 1878; application filed December 7, 1877.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN HOLLAND, of the city of Cincinnati, in the county of Hamilton and State of Ohio, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Tooth-Picks, which improvement is fully set forth in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure l is a perspective view of the toothpick with the blade protruded from its case. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal central section of the same; and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the inner case or cylinder, in which the blade and its holder slides.

This invention relates to that class of toothpicks which consist of a metallic spear or blade inclosed within an outer shell, from which it may be protruded for use and withdrawn for conveniently carrying in the pocket.

It consists of a thin elastic blade secured to the end of a piston which fits and slides in a metallic cylinder, said cylinder being fitted in an outer case, the perimeter of which is a polygon of four or more sides, to furnish a bearin g for a flange upon the slide-pin, to protect the pin when sliding the blade in and out and holding it out while in use.

In the drawing, A is a case made of ivory, shell, or other suitable material. It is bored from the front end (which is ferruled to prevent splitting) a sutlicient distance back to receive the metallic tube B.

O is a short piston fitted to slide within cylinder B. D is a thin elastic blade of uniform thickness, made preferably of gold or other non-corrosive metal, permanently secured in the front end of piston C. It is curvedvnear the front end to conveniently pass bethe flat side of the case A, and a screw-pin that, projecting from the flange through the slot in case A and cylinder B, enters the piston 0., By reason of this flange e, which has considerable bearing upon the flat side of the case, the screw-pin is not liable to be bent or broken. It also enables me to use a small screwpin, and hence a narrow slot, which leaves the case stronger. The knob projects up a sufficient distance above the flange to furnish a bearing for the thumb or finger to hold the blade from being pushed into the case while in use.

I The thin metallic blade, in addition to its advantages as a tooth-pick over the spearformed head, also furnishes a convenient implement with which to open envelopes.

- I claim- I As a new article of manufacture, a toothpick consisting of an outer case, A, the tightfitting inner case or lining B, piston (3, blade D, and slide E, provided with the flange c, all arranged to operate substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

JOHN HOLLAND.

Witnesses GEo. J. MURRAY, HENRY MInLwARD. 

